Two unusual
Herbie Mann albums – back to back in a single set! The first Reggae album has a surprisingly strong mix of 70s modes – as the funky flute of
Herbie Mann takes on some of the nascent reggae grooves of the time – with results that are a lot nicer than you might expect! There's some core rhythms on the record from Tommy McCook, but
Herbie's regular keyboardist Pat Rebillot also adds in some surprisingly nice lines too – making the whole thing way more than just another session cut down in Kingston. One real surprise is a very extended take on "My Girl", which runs for over 18 minutes and takes up all of side two – and other cuts include "Rivers Of Babylon", "Swinging Shepherd Blues", and "Ob La Di". Reggae II is a lesser-known follow-up to
Herbie Mann's first album of reggae-styled instrumental grooves – and one that's every bit as sweet as the first! Like that record, the approach here is one that has Mann working with Kingston-bred rhythms from a lineup that includes Winston Wright on organ, Jackie Jackson bass, and Michael Richard on drums – mixed with tenor from Tommy McCook and trumpet from Bobby
Ellis – then given a slight fusion vibe from Mann's frequent 70s musical partner Pat Rebillot on a variety of keyboards!
Herbie's flute snakes into the groove in this warm, easygoing way – very open in tone, and a surprisingly good fit for an instrument that isn't often used in such a setting. Titles include "Down On The Corner", "Cecilia", "I Know", "Stoned By You", "Bend Down Low", and "So Get It While You Can".